The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-08-17
BETTY'S MISTAKE.
BY ANNA KING.


had dressed for dinner some time previ
ously, and now moved backward anc
forward from her post of observation al
the window to consult the little Swis:
clock hanging over the writing table
for her eyes were not so good as they had
been.
There were few people living who were
very dear to her. and of these she was ex-
pc ting this evening the two whom she
loved best in the world-her god
daughter and namesake, Betty Carew,
and Colin Campion. her nephew.
She had a definite object in view in
bringing those young people together. A
few weeks before she had had an attack
of bronchitis, and this illness had sug-
gestcd to her the advisability of making
her will When she began to consider
how she should divide her property be-
tween Betty and Colin, her heart seemed
torn asunder. She could not calmly con-
template her old lace and china, and all
her favorite possessions, going out of the
family, for she wanted Betty to have
them. Colin must, of course, have the
little estate, but then. too, he must have
the money to keep it up, for she did not
wish Forde to he neglected after her
death.
At length all idea occurred to her
which. if carried out, would obviate all
difficulties. Why should not Betty and
Coin marry and share her fortune
equally, without any troublesome division
of il. With this thought in her mind
Miss Campion had invited them to Forde,
and was now awaiting Betty's arrival
With some nervousness.
Her nervousness increased when she
hal welcomed her goddaughter and
brought her into the drawing-room-for
il was necessary that she should make
Betty understand how desirable hus-
band Colin would b. without raising any
suspicion in her mind;
e'You are very tired, DEAR" she said,
fastening to pour out a cup of tea with
trembling fingers. 81 shall never be-
come reconciled to trains-they are so
noisy and dusty, It is a pity we are in
such hurry always nowadays. They
managed better in the last century, when
Journeys were made in leisurely manner
by coach"
s.If we were eighteenth century ladies,
podmotber should be at the rectory at
this moment-for the journey from
Devonshire would have been impossible
by coach. So am glad that we were
aot born hundred years ago"
.'If you put it in that way, dear, so am
l. hope this visit will be p!easanter
than usual" she added, nervously. 'My
nephew Colin is coming tonight; he is
going to stay for some time"
''He is doctor in London, isn't he2
have heard you speak of him."
II dare say. He has bought a practice
there" answered Miss Campion. "He is
very clever in his profession, and so
tender and kind! 1t is quite beautiful
TO see him with children. But he ought
to marry; there is always d prejudice in
favor of married doctors"
.'You had better tell him So" said
Betty, with little smile.
Il mean to do so; and think he will
be settled before long" sad the old
lady, uodding her heal mysteriously.
..Oh, if he is already in love, he will
not need your lvice, godmotherl"
but he is not in love, my DEAR" re-
turned Miss Camp:on hastily. "You
must not think that Colin is foolish,
sentimental young man. Indeed, he is
considered rather cold in society; and
be is as proud as you are, Betty"
''Will he marry if he is not in love?"
asked Betty, raising her eyebrows
slightly.
E.Oh, no, my dear; of course not"
"Then you think he will obediently
fall in love wheu you tell him that he
ought to marry? He must have his
emotions under admirable control2"
''IIc would not fall in love with any
one," said Miss Campion, with only a
vague understanding of Betty's sarcasm
s'but he cannot fail to see what sweet
II see," interrupted Betty, quietly,
'you are saving him great deal of un-
necessary trouble in suggesting whom as
well as when he should marry"
Colin would not marry any girl whom
he could not like and respect" said
Miss Campion, little anxiously.
':Oh, no! But he is not sentimental, y
suggested Betty. "The girl he marrics
will be happy woman!"
"She will, indeed" agreed her god
mother. IL am so glad that you ap-
preciate Colin
Soon after Betty had left the drawing
room to dress for dinner Doctor Cam
pion arrived. When the first greetings
were over, his aunt remarked, tentatively
Il have asked Betty Carew to stay
with INC while you are here, Colin. You
don't know Betty?"
''No," said Colin.
'She is sweet girl" said Miss Cam,
pion nervously.
''Is she!"
ga very sweet girl. Do you know,
Colin, l have thought lately that you
ought to marry2 Married doctors are al
ways the most successful
"And you think Miss Betty would
make a good doctors wife2" questioned
Colin, suppressing smile at his aunt's
transparent plot.
''She is very dear to me, Colin: l
should like Betty TO be mistress here
when I die" she returned wistfullv.
Colin kissed her and said gently:
Il should like to please you in all
things, Aunt Betty, but must reserve
the right of choosing my own wife. !
hold some Anticipated views about mar
riage-among the rest, that man should
love his wife. Moreover, there is the
chance that Miss Carew would not be
overcome by M many anil undoubtcd
charms. But we will let that pass"
at won't cav ANYTHING more about If >